Knife-wielding man attacked Manchester officer, police say

MANCHESTER -- A city man tried to stab Officer Edward Devereaux in the face with a knife when the officer arrived at his apartment to check on his well-being, police said.

Police said on Thursday night MHA representatives asked officers to check on Scott Rossello, 50, of 200 Hanover St., who reportedly was exhibiting hostile and irrational behavior earlier in the day.

As Devereaux approached Rossello's unit, he heard extremely loud music in the hallway coming from Rossello's apartment, and laughter and yelling when he knocked on the door.

Rossello finally opened the door but started to walk down the hallway.

Devereaux ordered him to stop and Rossello agreed to go back inside and speak with him. Once inside, however, police said Rossello moved toward a steak knife stuck in the wall and, ignoring Devereaux' order to stay away from the knife, grabbed it and turned toward the officer.

Devereaux struggled with Rossello as he allegedly tried to stab the officer in the face. Devereaux wrestled Rossello to the floor and, when other officers arrived, took the knife from him, police said.

Rossello allegedly continued to struggle violently with officers trying to handcuff him and he was zapped with a stun gun. Police said during the struggle Rossello sustained a cut to one of his fingers and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

He is charged with attempted first degree assault and resisting arrest.

Judge William Lyons set bail at $100,000 cash/surety. Rossello could enter no plea to the felony charge in Circuit Court, so a probable cause hearing was set for March 14. Trial on the misdemeanor is April 4.

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